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Structural and Metamorphic Geology (GEOL20002)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: brendan.duffy@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will investigate the structure and dynamics of planet Earth and the processes that control the mineral assemblages and fabrics of rocks in the Earth’s crust and mantle. Topics to be covered include:
- Structure of planet Earth from geophysical observations;
- Mantle convection and geodynamics;
- Controls on deformation in the Earth; stress-strain relationships
- Manifestation of deformation in rocks: descriptive treatment of strain, folds and tectonic fabrics;
- Examination of deformed rocks in the laboratory and in the field;
- Controls on mineral assemblages in the Earth: pressure, temperature and rock composition
- Relationship between mineral assemblages in metamorphic rocks and their conditions of formation;
- Metamorphic rocks in thin section and in hand specimen;
- The analysis of orogenic belts
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of this subject, students should have acquired an understanding of tectonic settings, the effects of elevated pressure, temperature and stress on rocks; be able to recognise, describe and interpret rocks formed as a consequence of these effects in the laboratory and in the field; and understand their applications in establishing and testing tectonic models.
This subject builds upon skills developed in first year and integrates with the subject GEOL20003 Earth Composition, Minerals and Magmas as well as GEOL20004 Field Mapping and Sedimentary Geology. This combination of subjects will provide an overview of the composition and structure of the Earth and the processes that continue to shape it. In this subject, analytical skills will be developed and augmented through the evaluation of geophysical data and examination of the effects of deformation and metamorphism on rocks and minerals. Thus, many of the techniques you learn about here will apply to a broad range of geological situations. For those wishing to pursue their study of Geology, other second- year subjects and almost all third-year subjects will use or build upon the information you gain here. Before we can proceed to use more sophisticated methods of unravelling Earth processes however, a solid background is required in understanding the fundamental insights that can be provided by careful observations of rocks and minerals.
Generic skills
At the end of this subject, students will have acquired an understanding of tectonic processes and settings, the effects of elevated pressure, temperature and stress on rocks; be able to recognise, describe and interpret rocks formed as a consequence of these effects in the laboratory and in the field; and understand their applications in establishing and testing tectonic models. This subject will provide opportunities to:
- Develop personal and communication skills relevant to group discussions;
- Think critically and to conceptualise complex and abstract ideas;
- Develop skills relevant to preparing technical written reports;
- Develop time management skills needed to meet assessment deadlines.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Note: GEOL20003 Earth Composition, Minerals and Magmas can be taken concurrently
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ERTH10002 | Understanding Planet Earth | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
GEOL20003 | Earth Composition, Minerals and Magmas | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Assessment of selected practical exercises during the semester (15%), a 2-hour practical examination during the semester (20%); assessment of field exercises including a 1500-word field report (15%) a take-home practical exercise (10%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (40%).
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Brendan Duffy Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week, 1 x two hour practical classes per week, and two days of fieldwork (held on a weekend during the semester) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Email: brendan.duffy@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Previously known as 625-202 Earth Structure and Dynamics (prior to 2010)
Previously known as 625-202 Sedimentary Basins to Mountain Belts (prior to 2009)
Special Requirements: Geological hammer, hand lens and magnet. Students should consult the Earth Sciences web site for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food and other information including safety requirements.
Costs: Costs will be levied for fieldwork components. Details will be available on the school webpage prior to commencement of the semester
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Geology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Geology Breadth Track Earth's Structure - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 11 April 2024